Do we have the 'right' to be educated in beauty?

[squidgernetball]

We're forever seeing posts on here from therapists doing short courses, many with little contact time, but online info and lots of literature.

Therapists taking these courses justify it with "I can get insured" or "we can't all go to college 5 days a week". I also see a lot of "what's the best course that's cheap as possible within 5 miles of my house? ".

In any other profession, these courses would be null and void but in a profession that struggles with poor perception of the intelligence of the people carrying out beauty treatments, are we becoming a joke because some insurance companies will insure anything?

I'm interested in what everyone thinks. Whether you agree that distance courses are worth doing or that, like me, you think that if it's worth doing, do it properly. Come out with a qualification that is recognised by EVERY insurance company and that is worth the paper it's written on.

Apologies to those of you that now want to lynch me!

Vic x

 

[Paige@TheClinik]

I have done both started with crappy day courses and ended up back at college doing NVQs although I don't rate any of my basic education including my NVQ, most of my knowledge is from salon geek and other therapists, for me my NVQ was a good solid qualification that I knew if insurers tightened up I would be ok with. There are certain insurers that I do think bring down the industry by accrediting courses so easily, when you don't know any better any course accredited by an insurance company sounds credible right?
Xx

 

[squidgernetball]

I think you're right. I used BABTAC as my guideline. If they rated it, so did I. Don't get me wrong, I've done short courses, but they have been built on a solid foundation of anatomy and physiology and nvqs.

Vic x

 

[Redduck]

The problem is that until we are properly regulated (I'm thinking holistic therapies here) then there will always be courses available that are short, distant learning etc.

I find the one day courses great for CPD but, like you, I wanted my initial training to be accepted by all.

Interestingly, I have a friend who trained with no contact hours but went on to do regular CPD and is now very good at what she does. I know others who did great initial training but never did another days training after that.

So in an ideal world I'd like to see regulation of the industry which would carry the requirement to do a certain amount of further training each each year.

 

[K~Anne]

I did short courses (albeit good ones). But I have studied my butt off afterwards and now know my field extremely well.

I will one day go back and do a NVQ but more for the qualifications than anything else.

I think you can be an amazing therapist short course or NVQ it's all about how much work and studying you are willing to put in.

X

 

[salj]

I find the one day courses great for CPD but, like you, I wanted my initial training to be accepted by all.

This is how I feel too. I learned SO much in the short courses I did, including much better techniques and product knowledge than I ever did in during my NVQ. The training for that was so basic and we had several tutors as they kept leaving and ended up with one who was total crap! But the underpinning knowledge was invaluable and I think that foundation is a good thing.

It took me 4 years to do my NVQ 2 & 3 (as I did it evenings at college) but it was worth the slog.

 

[Calm]

I will never do a short course again. I appreciate everyone is different, but for me personally, the information and practical just doesn't sink in over one/two days unless you start practicing immediately when the new skills are still fresh in your mind.

I myself do not book with therapists who are not NVQ (or equivalent) qualified. I just feel more relaxed knowing the lady doing my nails/eyebrows/waxing etc hasn't become *qualified and insured* after a mere one day course and has at least spent a few months at college.

 

[Kim Lawless]

Maybe the way forward would be for everyone to have a qualification in A&P but then they go on to just specialise in the subjects that they want to.

I hear all too often from students on my one day courses that they studied waxing during their two years at college but the training was minimal and very poor.......yet they all passed with flying colours.

 

[smallandcute]

To me i think the whole system needs a huge overall. We all know there are great day courses out there such as kim lawless's waxing but these are only a handful out of the thousands offered. To me also nvqs are becoming such an old framework that they do not cover new techniques etc. I also think you now need to do a minimum qualification to become insured. You cannot be a nurse without doing a nursing degree, work at a vets without an vetinary nursing nvq or be a lawyer without sitting the bar exam and passing so why should it be any different for us hair and beauty girls and guys?

If i was in charge of the beauty qualification framework it would be a minimum hnd framework with new and updated techniques, more in depth theory ie a and p and higher entry requirements including minimum double english, maths and double science passed before entering course as i have noticed the majority of students on nvqs dont have this and whilst they are supposed to attend their gcse lessons they dont have to and dont have to pass i would also ensure that insurance couldnt be claimed until above qualification was passed to a high standard.

I know i may seem harsh to some but im fed up of reading threads about cheap courses or even thosw that have no sense of industry or business and its about time that industry sorted the men from the boys so to speak.

Actually france never has the problem of the public seeing hair and beauty workers as thick and only did the job cod there was nothing else. Those in the profession are held with high regard and are highly educated and its tough to get on the courses as whilst its popular they have a very high critiera for entry . About time we started being like them.

 

[xXjazXx]

I think everyone should have an nvq base to start from. I definitely think good quality short courses have their place to expand your skills but aren't the correct place to start.

I have to say it does annoy me when people say not everyone has the luxury of being able to have the money/time to study for an nvq- if I wanted to change career to become a teacher I would have to go and study and find the time/money to do it, why should our profession be any different.

The online courses are some of the worst culprits for making a mock of our industry. We have a salon opened near us recently where the owner (and only staff member) has solely completed short online courses and is now 'qualified' to do everything....including teach!! She is now charging people to teach treatments she cannot actually perform herself. We have tried to report this but there is no one to report to. We have had numerous new clients come to us to correct her awful treatments. I just worry about the people she has put off of beauty treatments forever (and likely slate the treatment as a whole to friends) with her bodge jobs.

 

[surf girl]

I agree the whole system needs an overhaul. I think a minimum requirement for hair and beauty should be an nvq or vrq before expanding into day courses, I'm not sure I agree with the above poster about gcse maths English & science as it's completey irrelevant & most colleges funding comes from key skills qualification rather than the actual hair/beauty courses being funded. I do think tho every person is different, some will absorb every bit of information on the courses day or year long ones and then go off and really really learn lots more, some on the other hand just get the cert to get insurance and do a crap job forever with no further upskilling, these people I believe are why we would even question a day course being any good! I think the industry should be regulated

 

[smallandcute]

Kahuna no most funding from colleges does come from trade industries such as haircand beauty, bricklaying and academically a levels. You dont even have attend gsce retakes or even bother with sitting the exams they are only there for students who have failed and has been stated as a term for thier chisen course although this term cannot be enforced. If i was doing nvq beauty and failed basic gsce science for example although i would be told i would need to resit the college cannot enforce this and dont actually get funding for putting this course on. ( i have way too many teachers in my family to know how the system works sadly) also vrqs are less in substance and taking a further step back from an nvq when in my eyes it ahould be going the other way. The btec diploma is more in depth the the nvq so to me this should be the bare minimum starting point.

 

[mildred73]

We're forever seeing posts on here from therapists doing short courses, many with little contact time, but online info and lots of literature.

Therapists taking these courses justify it with "I can get insured" or "we can't all go to college 5 days a week". I also see a lot of "what's the best course that's cheap as possible within 5 miles of my house? ".

In any other profession, these courses would be null and void but in a profession that struggles with poor perception of the intelligence of the people carrying out beauty treatments, are we becoming a joke because some insurance companies will insure anything?

I'm interested in what everyone thinks. Whether you agree that distance courses are worth doing or that, like me, you think that if it's worth doing, do it properly. Come out with a qualification that is recognised by EVERY insurance company and that is worth the paper it's written on.

Apologies to those of you that now want to lynch me!

Vic x

I'm 41 and decided 2 years ago to make a change in my life and went to college. Completed my NVQ level 2 last year and just completed NVQ level 3 (massage route), 4 weeks ago. Can I get a job to get the confidence and tips - NO!!! Yes, I could go it alone and that is what I would prefer but before that I would like to work in a salon/spa to build on the skills learnt and get experience as I don't feel confident in what I was taught. A & P was major focus in level 3 as it was the massage route so needed to know bones, muscles, nervous system, digestive system, endocrine system etc. I have done a few add ons - hopi ear candling, bamboo massage etc but I need the practice and here in Telford I'm too old, too overweight to be employed!!!!

 

[surf girl]

Clearly your misinformed, the college I went to gets funding for key skills NOT trades, those with gcse's also had to sit key skills (with much resistance I might add!)

I must say I find it SO rude when people dismiss the VRQ as a good qualification, that is all that is available in my area as a college course now the only route to an NVQ is via work based learning.

I personally did my VRQ alongside many girls doing an NVQ and I excelled much quicker than they did, I also learned a LOT more theorey in a classroom assisted with any questions by a real life tutor, unlike the nvq girls who just had to shut up & watch. I then started my level 3 vrq in college so had all the work given to me & had to end early and do work based NVQ 3 instead, so I had all the work for that too, I would definatley say I think the VRQ through a college is a better option IMO but each to their own eh?

 

[squidgernetball]

When I very first interviewed for staff, I had 2 applicants. On paper one was much better qualified than the other. One had nvq 2 and 3 and the other had a btec. Unbelievably, the one with the btec - so 2 years full time at college - had never waxed an underarm. She was given the impression that she wouldn't need it. That her qualification put her in more of a managerial position so underarms were beneath her. Sad because she was a lovely girl.

I think most people here have grasped my point. I think @willowrose said it in a different post that you can buy a PhD online but it doesn't make you a doctor - or similar. Sorry if I misquoted!

I think the whole system needs an overhaul.

I also get frustrated with the "I've got three kids and work full time so can't do a course, therefore I'm doing it online". Do you think little enough of your chosen profession to think this is adequate? Please don't get defensive when professional therapists say "this isn't enough". A dvd and some emails doesn't qualify you. Where are these people planning to work? Self employed? This site is swimming with geeks who struggle with the basics, let alone running a business, and salons will not employ them with a distance qualification.

We need industry minimums and shame on these insurance companies that insure anything and everything.

Vic x

 

[emulan]

What annoys me is people who say they don't have the time/money to train properly eg college/academy - what do they think will happen when they do a short/online bodge course, they won't have the knowledge, won't be competent in providing treatments, won't get repeat customers, won't have a successful business and will probably end up returning to their previous job thinking beauty was a pipe dream - it's a waste of their own time and money. make a plan - it might mean you have to save for a few years, you might have to make sacrifices but if it's "something [you] always wanted to do" then do it fudging properly and then reap the benefits, do a job you love, be a competent therapist/hairdresser, earn the money you need to stay in the job you love and don't cheapen the industry in order to get there ..... Better you take longer and then be skilled then do it quick and you be clueless.
You get one life, it doesn't matter how long it takes to get there, but when you do get there, have the skills and knowledge so you can stay there and live the dream. It's not rocket science. RantOver!!!

 

[Martin Duffy]

If they don't have the time to do a proper course, you wonder where on earth they will find the time to fit in the treatments that they're presumably hoping to do when they qualify?!

 

[Quiet Therapist]

I agree that there needs to better regulation and a standard. I guess the challenge is like many other businesses there is competition and therefore you get various federations/guilds/associations 'representing' the industry.

Something should also be said about the person entering the profession. Yes I get that people do not have time/juggle a whole host of other responsibilities in their lives but we cant say just because you have studied one route compared to another that makes you an inferior therapist.

I guess whilst I accept there may be a damage to standards and reputations - a good therapist will have longevity,standards and customer loyalty. They wont just follow trends and be a therapist who gives cheap treatments. If they do, then they will attract a different kind of customer.

I agree that there should be a basis for qualifications. I studied VTCT Holistic over 10 years ago at college and was amazed at the in depth level of A&P required. This was a fab foundation to the profession. I have added on short courses of beauty treatments since. None of you would probably employ me in a salon (!!) as my beauty treatments are not NVQ/BABTAC approved but I am a good, thorough therapist who actively reads for development and aims to give first class treatments every time.

Incidentally I work in another profession who operate membership and professional qualifications. It happens there too. People obtain the qualifications and think that makes the professional and qualified. It can be frustrating because we are all judged against that standard. Again though, it is the person that will shine through, their quality, their personality, their motivations and their interests. That will give them success not the qualification.

Yes I agree we do have the right to be education, and we do get educated, but at different levels. I just wanted to say something about the personal side as I think that is as important as the qualifications.

 

[Kim Lawless]

I agree that there needs to better regulation and a standard. I guess the challenge is like many other businesses there is competition and therefore you get various federations/guilds/associations 'representing' the industry.

Something should also be said about the person entering the profession. Yes I get that people do not have time/juggle a whole host of other responsibilities in their lives but we cant say just because you have studied one route compared to another that makes you an inferior therapist.

I guess whilst I accept there may be a damage to standards and reputations - a good therapist will have longevity,standards and customer loyalty. They wont just follow trends and be a therapist who gives cheap treatments. If they do, then they will attract a different kind of customer.

I agree that there should be a basis for qualifications. I studied VTCT Holistic over 10 years ago at college and was amazed at the in depth level of A&P required. This was a fab foundation to the profession. I have added on short courses of beauty treatments since. None of you would probably employ me in a salon (!!) as my beauty treatments are not NVQ/BABTAC approved but I am a good, thorough therapist who actively reads for development and aims to give first class treatments every time.

Incidentally I work in another profession who operate membership and professional qualifications. It happens there too. People obtain the qualifications and think that makes the professional and qualified. It can be frustrating because we are all judged against that standard. Again though, it is the person that will shine through, their quality, their personality, their motivations and their interests. That will give them success not the qualification.

Yes I agree we do have the right to be education, and we do get educated, but at different levels. I just wanted to say something about the personal side as I think that is as important as the qualifications.

Hear hear!

 

[glitter nails]

Hi, 8 years ago I went to college to do hairdressing for 2 years, 3 days aweek and it was crap! ! the teaching was awful, I honestly could of learnt it from just reading a book myself.

Then last year I studied beauty therapy intense course 2 days a week for a year at a adult learning centre and I'm now qualified level 2 in city and guilds it was so much better than going to college! I learned so much and it was hard work. We had tests every week if we didn't pass on our 3rd time you got kicked out, and for practical we did both at home and at the learning centre some paying clients others friends or family plus a lot of case studies. MY kit was very high quality with brands like eve Taylor and cetuem basically everything you needed to start up shop once you passed. I think my training was amazing and a hell of a lot cheaper than college I'm thinking of doing hairdressing level 3 there because the teaching was so good and the classes are small maybe 10 people so everyone gets one on one teaching something I never got at college 8 years ago.

But I do agree it is annoying when people are calling themselves example nail techs or make-up artist when they did a work shop for a week! I think better regulations are needed in that respect, but at the same time don't knock someone just because they did a one day a week course, night school or trained at a learning centre (like me lol) when they have the same qualification's a college student would have got...I really think if someone is good at what they do its speaks for itself ,regardless of level 2 or level 4 having 10 years experience 3.